PhRMA: 907 biotech drugs, vaccines under development

By Alaric DeArment

WASHINGTON — Nearly 1,000 biotech drugs and vaccines for more than 100 diseases are currently under development, according to a new report.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America released the report Monday, highlighting a genetically modified virus-based vaccine for skin cancer; a recombinant fusion protein for treating Type 2 diabetes; a monoclonal antibody for asthma; and an antisense therapy for leukemia. These were among 907 new biologics under development that included 338 treatments for cancer; 134 vaccines for infectious diseases; 71 medicines for autoimmune disorders; and 58 treatments for cardiovascular disease.

"These medicines reflect the cutting-edge research being conducted across the country by biopharmaceutical companies in order to provide new treatment options for patients," PhRMA president and CEO John Castellani said. "In order to realize the full potential of novel biologics to improve human health, it is essential to maintain public policy and regulatory environments to support the research and development that drives biomedical innovation."